Overview of traditional festivals in Latvia

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Legal holidays New Year: January 1 New Year celebrations usually begin on the evening of December 31. The President and Prime Minister deliver New Year's messages to the people of the country through national television. Drinking champagne and exchanging toasts are the most common ways to celebrate. In addition, Latvia families hold various traditional celebrations to wish for good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

Easter: March to April (the specific dates are based on the Western Church calendar) In Latvia, the Easter holiday consists of three days: Good Friday, Easter and the day after Easter. In addition to participating in various activities held by churches, many Latvia people also celebrate the rebirth of all things and welcome the arrival of spring in accordance with traditions before the introduction of Christianity.

Labor Day: May 1 Many countries designate May 1 as Labor Day, but this day has another special significance for Latvia. On May 1, 1920, the first democratically elected Parliament of the Republic of Latvia held its first meeting and adopted the draft national constitution.

The Republic of Latvia re-declares independence: May 4 On May 4, 1990, the pro-independence members of the Supreme Soviet of the Latvia Soviet Socialist Republic (then the highest legislative body of Latvia) adopted a declaration of re-independence of the Republic of Latvia. The vote opened a transition period until August 1991, when the Republic of Latvia fully regained its independence. Therefore, Latvia regard May 4 as the country's "second independence day."

Mother's Day: The second Sunday in May, before World War II, Latvia held celebrations on this day to emphasize family and the values of family. After 1992, Latvia, like other countries, designated this day as Mother's Day. Since the mother is the core of the traditional family in Latvia, the nature of the festival has not changed.

Pentecost: Sunday in May or June (the specific date is based on the Western Church calendar) Although Pentecost celebrations are usually related to religious customs, some traditional celebrations before the introduction of Christianity have also been preserved in Latvia.

Ligo Day and Yaris Day: The summer solstice, which falls on June 23-24, is the oldest and most popular festival in Latvia. Many people like to start celebrating on June 21 (the longest day of the year). June 23 is Ligo Day, and the next day is Yaris Day. Most Latvia people leave the city and go to the countryside, where colorful traditional celebrations are held by bonfires. To celebrate the arrival of summer, they woven beautiful garlands of oak leaves and wild flowers to decorate their houses and decorate themselves. They will also prepare special food, brew barley beer, sing traditional Ligo folk songs, and dance around the bonfire.

Independence Day of the Republic of Latvia: November 18 On November 18, 1918, the Republic of Latvia declared its independence, but on June 17, 1940, Soviet troops occupied Latvia. On August 21, 1991, the Republic of Latvia regained its independence. On Independence Day, various celebrations were held across the country in Latvia, and the President delivered a televised speech to the whole country. In recent years, the President's speech was delivered on the Freedom Monument Square in Riga.

Christmas: Christmas from December 24 to 26 is another important family holiday in Latvia. Many Latvia people attend Christmas Eve services on Christmas Eve (December 24), decorate Christmas trees and exchange gifts. Celebrations will continue on Christmas Day and the next day. Many Latvia people also celebrate with traditional rituals before the introduction of Christianity, such as ancient folk songs and other colorful celebrations.

List of commemorative days 1991 Defenders of Roadblock Day: January 20 After the establishment of the independent government of Latvia in May 1990, the Soviet government continued to put pressure on Latvia to prevent its peaceful mass movement. In January 1991, the Soviet Union dispatched security forces to prevent democratic elections in Latvia. The Latvia transported trucks, tractors and various heavy equipment to Riga and built roadblocks around government buildings and parliament. The standoff lasted until January 20, when Soviet special forces launched a gun battle and took control of the Interior Ministry. Despite several deaths, Latvia persisted in guarding the roadblocks until August 1991, when Latvia became fully independent.

Memorial Day for Victims of Communist Terrorism: March 25 On March 25, 1949, the Soviet government deported more than 43,000 Latvia to Siberia, mainly kulaks, intellectuals and other forces that Moscow considered hostile to communism. Later, their homes and farms were taken over and collectivized by Soviet citizens from other union republics.

Memorial Day for the Victims of World War II: May 8 The Second World War caused great damage to Latvia and caused great suffering to the people of Latvia. Both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union violated international conventions by forcing Latvia citizens to join their military. About 200,000 Latvia soldiers were forcibly recruited, of whom about 100,000 were unfortunately killed.

Memorial Day for Victims of Communist Terrorism: June 14 On June 14, 1941, the Soviet government deported 15,000 Latvia people to Siberia. The entire family, including women, children and the elderly, was arrested at their homes and then escorted to a train bound for Siberia. Many people died en route, and many more died in the Gulag concentration camps.

Memorial Day of the Occupation: June 17 On August 23, 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union secretly signed a non-aggression treaty (Treaty of Molotov and Ribbentrop), and Latvia was included in the Soviet sphere of influence. Subsequently, Soviet troops occupied Latvia on June 17, 1940. In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Latvia. In 1945, Soviet troops regained control of Latvia until 1991, when Latvia gained independence.

Heroes 'Day: June 22 (Memorial Day of the Battle of Thesis) On June 22, 1919, Latvia and Estonia troops fought against the German army near Thesis and achieved a decisive victory, completely driving the German army out of the Baltic region. This victory was a major turning point on Latvia's road to independence.

Jewish Genocide Day: July 4 July 4, 1941, Nazi German troops set fire to the main synagogue in Riga after occupying Latvia. It is estimated that more than 70,000 Jews were killed by the Nazis in Latvia.

Latvia Freedom Fighter Day: August 11 On August 11, 1920, Latvia and the Soviet Union signed a peace treaty, the signing of which marked the end of Latvia's Liberation War (which began in late 1918).

Baltic Unity Day: September 22 On September 22, 1236, the Baltic people, including Latvia and Lithuania, repelled the attack of the German Crusaders. The German Crusaders intended to control the Baltic region militarily and politically and to force local people to convert to Christianity.

Laplesis Day (Memorial Day of the Freedom Fighters in Latvia): November 11 November 1919, the Latvia army won a decisive victory in battle against the Russian and German coalition forces. This victory ended the Latvia Liberation War (1918-1920) and enabled the Latvia people to realize their dream of national independence. The day is named after the legendary war hero of Latvia, Laplesis.

All Souls 'Day: On the last Sunday of November (unofficial commemoration day) On the day and night before Memorial Day ("Candlelight Night"), Latvia took flowers and candles to the cemetery to commemorate their deceased relatives and friends. In addition, people will go to the Riga Military Cemetery to pay homage and light candles to commemorate the soldiers who died for the freedom of Latvia.

Memorial Day for Victims of Communist Totalitarian Genocide: On the first Sunday of December, about 200,000 Latvia lived in the Soviet Union after World War II. Some were immigrants from the late 19th century such as farmers and intellectuals, and some were refugees from the First World War. 1937-1938 In 1979, Moscow began a large-scale campaign of genocide against non-Soviet people, including Latvia, and about 70,000 Latvia people were killed in the Soviet Union.

Festival list International Recognition Day of the Republic of Latvia: January 26 Although Latvia declared independence in 1918, it was not until 1921 that the Allies, the victorious parties in the First World War, recognized the independence of the Republic of Latvia. On January 26, 1921, the Allies announced that they would recognize Latvia as sovereign equality in accordance with international law.

International Women's Day: March 8. Like other countries, in Latvia, March 8 is a women's holiday. Women often receive flowers and gifts from friends, family and colleagues.

Europe Day: May 9 One of the greatest achievements since Latvia regained its independence in 1991 was its accession to the European Union on May 9, 2004.

International Day of Families: Celebrations of the International Day of Families on May 15 are mainly aimed at families and children, with many museums and entertainment facilities offering discounts or free admission, while hosting special family-oriented events.

International Children's Day: June 1 coincides with the start of summer vacation for primary and secondary school students. Latvia holds many special activities for children, such as concerts, exhibitions, competitions, sports competitions, etc. In addition, children of all ages will be organized to participate in safety education activities.

Ocean Festival: Latvia has 531 kilometers of coastline on the second Saturday in July, so many ocean-related traditions have been preserved, and the Ocean Festival is one of them. A wide variety of smoked fish and other seafood is sold at the Ocean Festival Market in coastal towns, as well as local handicrafts and art. People participate in song and dance and various recreational activities, and the celebrations usually last well into the night.

Knowledge Day (School Opening): September 1st in Latvia, September 1st is the first day of school opening for all schools. Most schools hold various celebrations, speeches, etc. Parents often accompany their children dressed in costumes to school and present flowers to teachers.

Teachers 'Day: On the first Sunday of October, Teachers' Day will hold a variety of activities, including commendation of outstanding teachers, student performances, etc. Each school has different traditional celebrations.